EWU Statement of Diversity and Inclusivity

Abstract

Eastern is a driving force for the culture, economy and vitality of the Inland Northwest region. The university's beautiful campus, NCAA Division I athletics and opportunities for hands-on, real-world learning provide a classic, yet unique college experience.

Diversity acknowledges the variety of characteristics and categories of identity that make individuals unique, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, socio-economic status, age, physical, mental and learning abilities, religious beliefs and political beliefs. Diversity recognizes the uniqueness of individuals, populations, groups and their experiences.

Inclusivity is the conscious decision to create a nurturing campus climate where similarities and differences are respected and supported by ensuring the active participation of the entire campus community.

Statement of Diversity and Inclusivity:

Eastern Washington University is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We recognize that our success is dependent on how well we value, engage, include, and utilize the rich diversity of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. We believe that prejudice, oppression, and discrimination are detrimental to human development, and that a vibrant and diverse campus community enhances the learning environment of the populations that we serve. We are committed to treating all with dignity and respect, and to working collectively on an ongoing basis to build and maintain a community that understands, celebrates and promotes diversity, while promoting inclusivity at all levels.

An earnest commitment to diversity and inclusivity incorporates the following:

understanding that each individual is unique and deserving of respect

recognizing that people can represent multiple categories of identity at the same time, which means that their experiences will be very different from one another, and that they will experience categories of identity differently depending on where they fit socially within structures of inequality and/or privilege

expanding the view of diversity beyond the acknowledgement of commonalities to a recognition and honoring of differences

acknowledging that there are both unique individual and collective needs and achievements of diverse populations

moving beyond simple tolerance of differences towards the more comprehensive goals of pluralism and inclusive excellence

recognizing the uniqueness of individuals, populations and groups and their experiences, and the need for expression of voice, recognition and inclusion in order to develop the fullness of human potential and positive psychosocial development

specifically addressing the barriers to communication, relationship building and organizational development caused by socio-cultural misunderstandings, dominance and fear

promoting active and regular engagement between individuals and groups that represent different characteristics and categories of identity, in order to explore differences in a safe, positive and nurturing environment, and develop understanding across lines of perceived differences

making a commitment to inclusivity at all levels, and the active and meaningful involvement of diverse individuals in decision making processes

the development of a process for identifying proactive diversity and inclusivity goals and a structure for accountability regarding the achievement of those goals